Chef Nicolas Bour, recently from Atlanta, is the new executive chef for Rancho Bernardo Inn. I've read that he skipped culinary school, and picked up his kitchen bonafides under Guenter Seeger (a Best Chef of the Southeast James Beard Award-winner.) Expect to see Bour's French heritage, farm-to-table philosophy and kitchen-life experience on the El Bizcocho menu soon.

Pairing guide

Pacifica Del Mar’s executive chef Evan Cruz is pairing local halibut, Baja scallops, Wagyu and lamb osso bucco with Northern Cali’s Ferrari-Carano wines on March 16. “It’s a chance to do a little bit of creative research and dishes not usually on our menu,” says the Rancho Bernardo native. He's even making house-made buttermilk ice cream for the occasion. $80. (858) 792-0476 or pacificadelmar.com.

Carlsbad chef Eugenio Martignago made a culinary appearance at the renowned West Village former home of James Beard. It's only the Acropolis of the food scene, the spot where the food gods go to cook, aka the James Beard House in New York. Martignago helped cook a special dinner, hosted by Carino Hotels and Resorts Worldwide there on January 18. Now through April 30, Martignago’s recreating his goodies. Get to West Steak Seafood & Spirits in Carlsbad for four-courses, including oyster chowder with prosciutto ham, escarole, and Pernod. (760) 930-9100; weststeakandseafood.com.

Restaurants who love social media

Ever heard or restaurants Googling you? Seeing what you say about them on Twitter, and then tailoring your dining experience based on the info? (Read about it in Gourmet, here.) Well that's not what Toast Enoteca & Cucina's doing. They're inviting you to scour their Facebook and Twitter pages on Thursday mornings to find out their Chef’s Choice Suprise Menu. In honor of the East Village Italian haunt’s first anniversary, executive chef and owner Martin Gonzalez is offering three-courses and half-glass wine tastings for $30. The regular menu won’t be available Thursdays. Just the social media surprise menu. Seatings are at 5 p.m. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Go to facebook.com/toastsandiego, twitter.com/toastsandiego or toastenoteca.com.